Independent health club operator The Third Space is planning to open a number of new clubs in the capital.

In an interview with Health Club Management (November/December 2010, pp.28-31) chief executive Eric Dunmore revealed that the chain was looking to implement its roll out plans that were delayed by the economic downturn.

"When we launched the management buyout (in August 2007), the backing was for a 'five clubs in five years' plan," he said.

"The recession affected everybody, ourselves included, so in my mind that five-year plan starts now.

"There's plenty of opportunity in London and that will be my focus - I don't know cities like Manchester or Birmingham well enough to expand there."

The first new club to open next year will be in Piccadilly, London.

The 15,000sq ft (1,400sq m) club will cost around £2m to develop and will be located at the Marylebone Hotel.

Dunmore said he has already identified other locations he is interested in.

"I'd like to be in Chelsea and maybe somewhere in the City, although that's a hard environment," he added.

"Clapham would be great, and perhaps London Bridge. Even Richmond or Greenwich in due course."

The 2007 management buy out was backed by private equity firm Graphite Capital.